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Richards’ bill would amend two sections of the Criminal Code that cover the penalties for taking part in a riot or unlawful assembly, criminalizing the use of masks. As the law stands now, Sections 65 and 66 state that participating in a riot could lead to two years behind bars.

If the bill — titled the Preventing Persons from Concealing Their Identity during Riots and Unlawful Assemblies Act — passes, wearing a disguise while participating in a riot would increase that jail term to five years.

The proposed legislation is an attempt to cut down on violence in the streets.

According to the code, an unlawful assembly is defined as a gathering of three or more people with a common purpose out to cause a disturbance, or incite others to do so.

The government’s support comes in the wake of a massive “strike” by Quebec students protesting tuition increases — demonstrations that have frequently descended into violence.